- a group of islands in Papua New Guinea, in the W central Pacific Ocean, including the Admiralty Islands, New Britain, New Ireland, and adjacent islands. About 23,000 sq. mi. (59,570 sq. km).
- a group of over 200 islands in the SW Pacific, northeast of New Guinea: part of Papua New Guinea. Main islands: New Britain, New Ireland, Lavongai, and the Admiralty Islands. Chief town: Rabaul, on New Britain. Pop: 566 610 (2000). Area: 49 658 sq km (19 173 sq miles)
